CID to record statement from MR on Keith Noyahr

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Criminal Investigation Department has decided to record a statement from Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the assault and abduction of Journalist Keith Noyahr. Police Media Spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara said officials of the CID have made preparations to obtain the statement on the 17th at 10am at the residence of Former President Mahinda Rajapakse in Wijerama, Colombo. He added that this measure is being taken due to the failure of Former President Mahinda Rajapakse to appear at the CID, despite repeated notifications. Former Secretary of Defence Gotabaya Rajapakse and Speaker Karu Jayasuriya too have made their statements to the CID on the same incident. Six Intelligence officials including Former Director of Military Intelligence retired Major General Amal Karunasekara and Major Prabath Shri Seevali Bulathwatte who were arrested in connection to the incident have been released on bail. Former Journalist Keith Noyahr was abducted around 11.38 pm on the 22nd on May 2008, he was detained illegally and released after being tortured. Minister Rajitha Senaratnne stated to the media today (August 15) that the former president will have to be summoned to the CID when his name is mentioned and the Prime Minister has also has given his statement to the CID. He also added that he does not know the connection between the Keith Noyahr investigation and the former President.